Your Rights In Eating Out

There is no legal requirement for a restaurant to accept bookings. However, if you do make a booking you have created a legally binding contract which means that if you fail to turn up you could be charged if the restaurant can show that by doing so you caused it to lose business.

Restaurants can set any codes of dress and behaviour they want, provided they do not break any other laws in doing so (such as the Human Rights Act). This means that they can refuse you entry if they think your attire is unsuitable – and their thoughts on this matter might be completely different to yours!

· Teenagers are able to have a glass of wine with their meal provided a parent or legal guardian buys the wine is dining with them.

· If the waiter spills food or drink on your clothes this is covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act which says that service must be provided with reasonable skill and care. You can ask to be reimbursed for the cost of cleaning the shirt or replacing it if necessary.

· Unless you were specifically promised a certain sized meal you cannot legally complain (and refuse to pay the bill) simply because the meal was very small. If you are in doubt, you should ask about the portion sizes when you order.


This article has been prepared by Cavell Leitch Law for general information purposes and important exceptions and other relevant factors may not have been included.  If understanding the legal area covered by this article as it affects your specific circumstances is important to you then please contact us for a proper legal opinion.